COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND 
FINANCE 
 
BILL NO. 
36-0284 
 
Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands 
 
 
 
May 8, 2026 
 
 
 
An act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 1, part 1, chapter 3, by adding a section 
43m relating to an exemption from gross receipts and excise taxes of all prescription 
medications dispensed by a pharmacy 
 
 
 
PROPOSED BY: 
 
 
Senator Avery L. Lewis 
Sponsor: Angel L. Bolques, Jr. 
WHEREAS, there is an increasing financial burden placed on residents of the Virgin 
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Islands by the taxation of prescription medications imported into the territory; 
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WHEREAS, gross receipts and excise taxes applied to prescription drugs raise the cost 
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of medically necessary treatments and disproportionately impact seniors, individuals with 
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chronic illnesses, and low-income households; 
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WHEREAS, these taxes can discourage medication adherence and contribute to 
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preventable health complications, ultimately increasing long-term healthcare costs to 
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individuals and the public; 
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WHEREAS, the cost of prescription medications is a significant expense for residents of 
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the Virgin Islands and represents a barrier to timely access to essential healthcare; 
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WHEREAS, federal and territorial law already regulate prescription medications to 
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ensure they are dispensed only under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers and 
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pharmacists, ensuring patient safety; 
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WHEREAS, taxing prescription medications increases the cost of healthcare for patients 
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and families, placing an undue financial burden on those requiring medically necessary 
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treatments; 
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WHEREAS, exempting prescription medications from gross receipts and excise taxes 
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promotes public health, reduces healthcare costs, and aligns the Territory’s tax policy with the 
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goal of ensuring access to essential medications for all residents; and 
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WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Government of the Virgin Islands to encourage 
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equitable and affordable access to prescription medications while maintaining proper 
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administration of the territory’s tax laws; Now, therefore, 
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Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 
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SECTION 1.  Title 33 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 1, part 1, chapter 3, is amended by 
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adding the following section 43m: 
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§43m.  Exemption from gross receipts and excise taxes for medications 
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dispensed by prescription. 
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Any pharmacy, as licensed under title 27 Virgin Islands Code, section 151, shall be 
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exempt from the payment of all gross receipt taxes and excise taxes imposed by the 
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Government of the Virgin Islands on all medications dispensed by prescription that are 
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imported into the Virgin Islands. 
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Bill Summary 
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This bill seeks to amend title 33 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 1, part 1, chapter 3, by 
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adding a section 43m adding an exemption from gross receipts and excise taxes for all 
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medications dispensed by prescription.  
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BR26-0986/March 16, 2026/LMW 
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